BONNYVILLE — The Bonnyville Health Foundation (BHF) has officially launched a fundraising campaign aimed at creating a new mental health seclusion room as part of an upcoming renovation to the Emergency Department at Bonnyville Health Centre. The initiative, which comes at a crucial time, is designed to improve mental health care services in the community by providing a safe, calm, and supportive environment for patients in distress.
The new seclusion room will offer individuals experiencing mental health crises a quiet space where they can feel secure while receiving the care they need. Tailored to prioritize patient comfort and safety, the room will provide healthcare professionals with a better space to manage critical situations, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for those in need of urgent mental health care.
“We know how important it is to offer supportive mental health services to our community, and this project is a crucial step toward improving care,” said Dawn Weber, Executive Director of the Bonnyville Health Foundation. “With growing awareness around mental health, it’s essential that we continue to evolve our healthcare facilities to better meet the needs of those requiring urgent care. This seclusion room will play a pivotal role in offering the compassionate and professional care that every person in our community deserves.”
Fundraising Efforts Underway
The total cost for the seclusion room project is estimated at $243,000, with $71,658 already contributed through the Tyler Chislett Memorial Fund, which was previously managed by the BHF. The Foundation is now focused on raising the remaining $171,342 through donations from local businesses, residents, and community supporters.
To further galvanize support, the BHF has made mental health the primary focus of its 25th Silver Anniversary Gala, scheduled for April 12, 2025. Individual and corporate donations or sponsorships made before the event will be formally recognized during the gala. So far, several local organizations have committed to supporting the campaign, including Davey Drug Mart Pharmasave and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 183, each contributing $5,000.
In addition to these contributions, the Demeria Memorial Foundation has pledged $3,000, and the Allard Foundation has donated $10,000. Pikowicz Farms, LSC Industrial, and Boon Energy have also committed to sponsoring the live auction during the 2025 gala, with proceeds going directly to the Local Mental Health Fund.
A Call for Community Support
BHF is calling on the generosity of the Bonnyville community to help raise the remaining funds necessary to bring the new seclusion room to life. Every donation, regardless of size, will directly support the creation of this much-needed facility.
“We’re truly grateful for the support we’ve already received from local businesses and individuals,” Weber said. “But the need is great, and we’re asking the community to continue rallying behind this project to make sure that everyone in our community has access to the mental health care they need in a safe, compassionate environment.”
About the Bonnyville Health Foundation
The Bonnyville Health Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting healthcare services in the Bonnyville area. Through strategic community partnerships and fundraising efforts, the Foundation ensures that the Bonnyville Health Centre is equipped with the tools, resources, and facilities necessary to provide high-quality care for all residents.
For more information on how to donate or become involved in this important cause, visit the Bonnyville Health Foundation’s website or contact the Foundation directly.
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